Tsunoda’s F1 Rise: A Star on the Horizon
Formula 1 Witnessing Remarkable Transformation
Formula 1 today is witnessing a remarkable transformation in Yuki Tsunoda, the 24-year-old Japanese driver who has matured into a tidy and well-rounded racer. In 2023, despite driving an uncompetitive car, Tsunoda delivered his best season to date, proving that a young driver needs three seasons to properly adjust to Formula 1.
Consistent Performance and Growth
As RB, formerly AlphaTauri, continues to prove more competitive than last year, Tsunoda has consistently reached Q3 and scored points on five occasions. His off-track excursion in a wet-to-dry Canadian Grand Prix is now considered out of character, showcasing his growth as a driver.
Stalled Promotion Opportunities
Despite his impressive performance, there has never appeared to be any serious momentum to promote Tsunoda to Red Bull’s main team, with Daniel Ricciardo brought back to RB to be an insurance policy if Sergio Perez failed to meet requirements. However, with Perez re-signing on a two-year deal, it seems like Tsunoda’s career is stalling for reasons beyond his control.
“He has to continue to perform like he does now. Let’s see what the future brings then. His development is really good, although it came a little bit later than we expected, but he is now a top driver I would say.” – Helmut Marko
Focused on Performance and Commitment
Tsunoda expressed his frustration when asked about Perez’s contract renewal, saying, “Obviously, I’m already committed to Red Bull a lot, and hopefully, I can have a bit more commitment from them.” However, he remains focused on his performance and is happy with RB.
Securing a Future with RB
For 2025, Tsunoda’s fate was in Red Bull’s hands, with it taking up an existing option to keep him on the roster. His options elsewhere looked limited, with Audi and Aston Martin being potential suitors. However, with RB the standout performer in 2024’s midfield, perhaps Tsunoda’s best move was to stay where he was all along.
Team Principal’s Praise and Commitment
Backed by new sponsors Visa and CashApp, the Anglo-Italian team is looking to evolve into more than just Red Bull’s B-team in both identity and performance. Team principal Laurent Mekies stated that keeping hold of Tsunoda for a fifth season in 2025 was “key for the project” the former Ferrari man is building.
“It has been doing a superb feeling to witness that, and it’s also our responsibility to ask ourselves the question: ‘How many steps like that does he still have inside him?’ We have to make sure that we create the environment for him to develop them, and that’s our task for the next months and next year.” – Laurent Mekies
Mekies acknowledged Tsunoda’s frustration at being snubbed by Red Bull but emphasized that if he continues progressing at his current rate, he might be “difficult to ignore” for Red Bull or rival teams next year.
A Star on the Horizon
Until then, Red Bull’s loss is RB’s gain. Red Bull might not fully trust Tsunoda yet, but his current team certainly does. As Formula 1 news goes, this is a story of growth, determination, and a star on the horizon.
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